This primer was prepared by the Healthy Buildings committee of the Child Proofing Our Communities campaign and is the third in a series of reports. The campaign aims to connect local efforts across the country, raise awareness of toxic threats to children's health, and promote precautionary approaches most protective of children. Following an introduction, chapter II, "Special Vulnerabilities of Children," discusses why children are more susceptible to toxins and how inadequately they are protected. Chapter III, "Toxins in Schools and Building Materials," explains the threat from the most common toxic substances found in schools. While the threats from building materials such as lead and asbestos are subsiding, mold, vinyl, and toxic fumes from carpeting present a new generation of hazards. Chapter IV, "Building Materials: From Hazardous to Healthier Choices," puts the hazards identified in Chapter III in context, identifying especially problematic building materials. Chapter V, "The Indoor Environment," discusses ways to improve indoor air quality and lighting as well as maintenance practices that avoid the use of toxic chemicals. Chapter VI, "Designing a Healthy School," outlines the lengthy process of designing and renovating a school from conception to completion. It explains how to construct or renovate a healthy school to avoid or minimize toxic hazards. Chapter VII, "Getting Your School Community Involved," explains how to mobilize support for a healthy school building and work with architects, school boards, and contractors to ensure that children's health is protected at school. Finally, chapter VIII, "The Safety of Our Children Is in Our Hands," describes steps that parents can take to identify and address some of the most common environmental health problems in schools. (Contains 70 references and 23 resources.) (EV)